Defense Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Consortium (DSEC) Cooperative Agreement
ID: 351790Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Dept of the Army -- Materiel Command (DOD-AMC)

Award Range

$0 - $190M

Eligible Applicants

Others

Funding Category

Science and Technology and other Research and Development

Funding Instrument

Cooperative Agreement

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/351790

Additional Information

https://sainc.webex.com/sainc/ldr.php?RCID=9092ac57f0e5af4d67e1644bf4644094
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of the Army's Materiel Command is offering a cooperative agreement for the Defense Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Consortium (DSEC) to enhance STEM education and outreach programs for students and educators, primarily targeting PreK-12. The initiative aims to create a collaborative consortium of organizations to provide meaningful STEM learning experiences, aligning with the Department of Defense's strategic goals to foster STEM talent essential for national security. With a funding ceiling of up to $190 million over ten years, interested applicants must submit their proposals by March 11, 2024, and can direct inquiries to Denisse Szmigiel at denisse.r.szmigiel.civ@army.mil for further information.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    DSEC AOC Sample.pdf
    DSEC-W911NF24S0003-QA_20240216 v1.pdf
    DSEC-W911NF24S0003-QA_20240216.pdf
    The DSEC Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) W911NF-24-S-0003 serves as a guide for organizations applying for support in STEM education initiatives under the Department of Defense (DoD). It provides a comprehensive Q&A section addressing common inquiries about proposal submission, collaboration, consortium membership, and budget considerations. Applicants are encouraged to form a consortium emphasizing regional STEM education and outreach, demonstrating strategic collaborations and detailed management strategies. The FOA specifies requirements for lead organizations, partnership structures, and evaluation criteria, emphasizing the need for clarity regarding roles and financial proposals. It also outlines the absence of cost-sharing requirements and the eligibility for simultaneous DoD funding. Guidance is provided for engaging with existing regional hubs and creating new initiatives focused on diverse STEM disciplines, fostering a competitive yet inclusive environment for interested parties. This document addresses vital aspects of organizing and implementing upcoming grants, underscoring the DoD's commitment to enriching STEM talent and education for various stakeholders.
    DSEC.pdf
    The Articles of Collaboration for the Defense Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Consortium (DSEC) outline the framework for collaborative efforts among its members aiding the Department of Defense's STEM initiatives. The document details membership, management responsibilities, financial obligations, and intellectual property rights within the consortium. The Lead Organization assumes overall management, while a Consortium Management Committee oversees various elements of the agreement, ensuring cohesion and coordination of efforts. Member obligations include timely reporting and resource provision, as well as adherence to guidelines for proprietary information sharing. Significantly, the document elaborates on changes in membership protocols, including notice periods for resignations. Intellectual property created under the consortium is shared with the government under defined terms, facilitating collaboration while protecting participant interests. The articles emphasize cooperative engagement, risk management, and compliance with federal funding requirements. This agreement serves as a foundational framework for operationalizing STEM education efforts through collaborative partnerships, enhancing the effectiveness of the federal grant and RFP process.
    W911NF24S0003 FOA DSEC_2.0_Amendment_01_20240216.pdf
    W911NF24S0003.pdf
    The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is offering a cooperative agreement through the Defense Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Consortium (DSEC), with an allocation of up to $190 million across ten years. The initiative aims to create engaging STEM education and outreach programs targeting students and educators primarily in PreK-12, aligning with the DoD's strategic goals of fostering STEM talent to address national security challenges. Key components of DSEC include five Fundamental Elements: Consortium Management, Program Evaluations, Strategic Communications, Regional Hubs, and Strategic STEM Initiatives. Interested organizations are invited to apply for funding by March 11, 2024, with a focus on collaboration among bodies such as state and local governments, non-profits, and educational institutions. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate creative and effective approaches, ensuring the management structure eliminates bias in funding and evaluation processes. The proposal highlights a strong emphasis on ongoing data collection, analysis, and community engagement in STEM, with a clear roadmap established for program execution, reporting, and collaboration. By investing in comprehensive STEM education, the DoD aims to inspire future generations of scientists and engineers essential for maintaining the technological superiority of the U.S.
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